D.c.-area dry cleaners

[Taliesin]

Hey everyone. Â I've been lurking 'round these parts for quite a while, soaking up as much information as I could. Â I have to say that reading the posts on this forum has been a highly educational experience for me. Â For those of you in the Washington, D.C. area, I was wondering if there are strong opinions about local dry cleaners. Â I've used Parkway Custom Drycleaners a lot recently (they are in Chevy Chase), and find that they do a very good job, but they are quite expensive. Â I'd love to find a similar place with lower prices if anyone knows of one. Anyone have any opinions/experiences to share regarding Parkway or any other D.C.-area drycleaners?

 

[Taliesin]

By the way, this reprinted article (originally from the Washington Post) elaborates on a few D.C. drycleaners, including Prestige Cleaners and American Valet. Â Anyone tried either of those? Â How'd it work out?

 

[montecristo#4]

If I'm getting a suit cleaned, I send it to Parkway. I live in Falls Church and have them pick up from my office. They're the best around from what I hear, but even so I rarely trust them with my clothes. I do most of my laundering, steaming, and pressing myself.

 

[kabert]

I don't use Parkway, but my tailor just 2 weeks ago recommended them to me as the best that he is aware of.

I use one on MacArthur Blvd. in DC, across the street from the Starbucks. Next door to the Palisades Post Office. Can't recall the name of it. They barely speak English, but haven't messed up anything yet (buttons, etc.) in almost 2 years of using them. By the way, either here or on Ask Andy, this very issue was extensively discussed about 3 months ago. Might be available if you search the archives.

 

[Steve B.]

I'm not sure he's still got a dry cleaning business, but try Steve Boorstein, The Clothing Doctor. www.clothingdoctor.com.

 

[kabert]

I just spoke to this guy Steve. He said he is no longer the owner of Parkway, but that "in his opinion" (no surprise) they are still the best dry cleaner in DC. I think I'll give them a try next time I've got a delicate cleaning that needs doing.

 

[kabert]

Has anyone used Viking Cleaners? Some friends who live in Spring Valley (NW DC) recently told us they have Viking do pick up and drop off at their house, as do "all of our neighbors." They gave rave reviews too -- no broken buttons, great service, etc.

 

[medwards]

I would certainly recommend Parkway, particularly for garments that need particular care....though it is -- as has been noted --expensive. I' ve had good luck as well with my neighborhood cleaners, American Valet.

 

[drljva]

By the way, this reprinted article (originally from the Washington Post) elaborates on a few D.C. drycleaners, including Prestige Cleaners and American Valet. Â Anyone tried either of those? Â How'd it work out?

When I'm in DC, for Suits and Shirts, I use Parkway exclusively. $5 per shirt (French Cuff) is, indeed, pricey, but their attention to detail and "free" pick-up/delivery service is -- for me -- well worth it. I've tried Prestige's shirt service -- as I recall, roughly 1/3 the price that Parkway charges -- but it's nowhere in the same league as Parkway.